Another Super Saturday of autumn sunshine before the winds of change blew in a blustery Sunday. Games and goals galore though as we make the most of sports and recreation as the storm clouds of further lockdowns threaten. Let’s all stay Covid alert!
Agony and ecstasy in Cup football on Saturday. The u16 soccer sisters gave it their all in the Shield Final but came up just short in the end, losing out 2-1 in a fantastic game of football. Be proud girls. Your day will come.
Both u13 boys were in semi-final action. 13As hosted old foes BT Harps in Clarisford. These are two of the best footballing teams in the county but in a stalemate they managed to cancel each other out. One goal won it and it went to the visitors. Disappointment on the day for Derg, but they will learn from this and this talented group have a very bright future.
13Bs enjoyed the ecstasy in Shield semi cracker away to Nenagh. 3-3 after extra time and it went down to penalties where a great save sent Derg boys, delighted, on their way to the final.
15Bs hosted a very strong BT Harps A and were beaten 5-1. The boys will go on to the Shield competition and take comfort from the fact that the second half finished 1-1.
Youths were in action in Clarisford on Saturday afternoon hosting a strong Killavilla side. The Derg boys didn’t fire in the first half and went in one down at half time. In a better second half that got fiery at times they scored a deserved equaliser to share the spoils. There is more to come from this squad.
Elsewhere on Super Saturday the u11 boys and girls were in blitz action on 3G. Boys hosted Nenagh AFC City, BT Harps and Borrisokane with flowing football and goals galore the order of the day. The youngest soccer sisters and there are over 20 u11 girls are really coming on in the game and they enjoyed super games and loads of goals in 3 games v Shinrone.
On the other side of the fence the Academy was in full flow with groups from u6 to u10 enjoying the game and the craic that goes with it.
Sunday morning was a top of the table clash for Adult Juniors in Clarisford HQ. Derg, in 3rd were hosting table toppers Ballymackey. A win would see Derg leapfrog them to the top of the NTDL Premier Division. They did that, the hard way, going a goal down in the first half. Spurned into a response this hard working squad played super football in front of a decent home crowd and went on to win the game 4-2 and now sit top of the league. Lots of football still to be played but this team in their first season in the top flight are a side worth watching. A large committed squad, and deep mix of experience and a lot of youth that has come through the schoolboy ranks and a strong leadership team and created something that could be special. We won’t get carried away…yet!
What else? Oh yes, possibly the hardest working man in Lough Derg FC, Alan Morgan, won the Lotto Spot Prize. Why do so many coaches win the lotto? Probably because so many coaches have entered it week in week out. The lotto is our only active fundraiser. If you like what we do, please support us in a meaningful way. Enter online at www.loughdergfc.com
What’s big this week?
· Position Specific Coaching continues Monday nights in Clarisford Sand Pitch. 70+ ambitious players were put through their paces in week one with very positive feedback. Any queries contact Donagh O’Shaughnessy.
· Membership – all players should now have completed membership registration online. www.loughdergfc.com Payment can be made in full on in installments.
· Communication – Clubzap is our preferred and most secure tool for fixtures, communications and Covid compliance. All members should have downloaded this App as squads migrate to this platform.
· Lotto – if you can support us, from as little as €2.50 per week, please do. It’s all online and makes a big difference to how we can plan for our future.
Have a great week. Stay Safe.
